Field Yates NFL Mock Draft 2024: Vikings, Raiders Trade for J.J. McCarthy, Penix Jr.

The Minnesota Vikings and Las Vegas Raiders are among the teams believed to be in the market for a quarterback in the upcoming NFL draft, and one expert believes both teams will be wheeling and dealing to get the prospects they covet.

In his latest mock draft, ESPN's Field Yates predicted that the Vikings would trade up from the No. 11 pick to the No. 5 pick to select Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

"Minnesota would be betting on McCarthy's combination of very good ball placement and mobility helping him become its long-term answer, with Sam Darnold in tow for 2024 if McCarthy needs time to get his feet wet," Yates wrote. "The supporting cast in Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson and an elite offensive tackle duo give him a shot for serious early success. McCarthy completed 72.3 percent of his passes and threw only four interceptions last season."

Yates projected that Minnesota would be giving up both the 11th and 23rd picks in this year's draft as well as a 2025 first-rounder to the Los Angeles Chargers to move up to grab McCarthy.

As for the Raiders, Yates predicted they could wait until the second round to make their move for their quarterback of the future. A projected trade with the Washington Commanders would allow Las Vegas to move up to the No. 36 pick to select Michael Penix Jr., and it would cost the No. 44 pick and a 2025 third-rounder.

"Penix has a huge arm and threw for 4,903 yards last season. Even after signing Gardner Minshew to compete with Aidan O'Connell, the Raiders have to add a quarterback," Yates explained. "Penix has an injury history (knee and shoulder), and teams will have varying levels of comfort there, but his upside is immense."

McCarthy and Penix are ranked as the No. 4 and No. 5 quarterbacks, respectively, in this year's draft class on the latest big board by B/R's NFL Scouting Department. The two of them faced off in this year's national championship game, with McCarthy leading the Wolverines to the title.

If not for durability concerns, Penix likely would be projected as a first-round pick. However, the Raiders or any other team would be happy to have the opportunity to select him in the second round if he falls down the board.